Galveston County is planning the start of “Return Home to Bolivar”, a mission designed to allow access to residents, property owners, business owners, and insurance adjusters in the Port Bolivar, Crystal Beach, Caplen, and Gilchrist communities. Registration FormImportant Information

The focus of this program, which starts Friday, September 26, 2008, is to allow citizens into the various communities of Bolivar Peninsula to assess and secure their properties, retrieve belongings, and meet with insurance adjusters. No citizens will be allowed to stay on the peninsula, however you may return daily to complete work and leave each evening.

Citizens will have access to the peninsula via High Island during the hours of 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Westbound traffic onto the peninsula will not be permitted after 2:00 PM. Law Enforcement Officers will begin vacate procedures from the Peninsula at 4:00 PM. The bridge over Rollover Pass along Highway 87 has been damaged and has only one lane open to passenger vehicles no wider than 12 feet. Access via the BolivarFerry is not available to the general public due to unsafe conditions at the landings in Port Bolivar.

Persons will be stopped at a check point in High Island. You will be required to show proof of identification and residency and provided with registration forms and information packets. Registration forms may be completed in advance and dropped off upon entry or at any staging area. A main staging area at the High Island School will be available to distribute ice, water, mosquito spray, and hand sanitizer. We are trying to make arrangements for a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to be available. Also at the staging area, there will be a first aid station to administer tetanus shots if needed and a critical incident stress management team. Mini-staging areas will be located in Crystal Beach at Crenshaw Elementary, 416 Highway 87 and the Joe Faggard Community Center, 1750 Highway 87 with ice and water only. Porta-Cans will be available at all staging areas.

Citizens NEED to be aware of several important points:

THERE ARE NO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OR FIRE/RESCUE SERVICES. THERE IS NO WATER, SEWER, ELECTRICITY, OR TELEPHONE SERVICE. CELLULAR PHONE SERVICE IS LIMITED.

Be prepared to walk distances up to ½ mile. Neighborhood streets that remain still contain debris and may be impassable by vehicle.

DO NOT attempt to take items from another person’s property – that is considered LOOTING and will make you subject to arrest.

There are countless snakes, alligators, and other wildlife risks in the area. Use caution when moving or lifting items.

Health hazards include mold, mosquitoes, and open septic tanks and sewage. PROTECT YOURSELF from these types of risks.

Nails, broken glass, lumber, and other hazards abound. Use caution so you do not injure yourself. Also prepare for the possibility of flat tires by having spare tires or Fix-A-Flat in your vehicles.

You may need to use a ladder to access high-raised residences. Use caution as areas you are accessing may have sustained damage, causing floors and porches to collapse. Be sure to bring supplies, tools and equipment to access and secure your property.

Plan your day so you will be prepared to leave the peninsula by 4:00 PM each day.

For the most current information available, visit the Guidry News website at: www.guidrynews.com